McGruff The Crime Dog Turns 30

McGruff the Crime Dog took a bite out of birthday cake on Thursday. The star of a series of ad campaigns encouraging kids to “Take a Bite out of Crime” celebrated the Big 3-0 today.

“As we celebrate McGruff’s birthday, and wish him many more productive years, we join with Attorney General Eric Holder in recognizing the important role of evidence-based crime research and policies in preventing crime,” said the Department of Justice, which introduced the nation’s first McGruff public service announcements 30 years ago this month.

An outspoken advocate against crime, McGruff has made thousands of appearances in television, radio, newspaper, and internet ads on various social issues.